Durward Knowles facts for kids
Sir Durward Randolph Knowles (born November 2, 1917 – died February 24, 2018) was a truly amazing sailor from the Bahamas. He became an Olympic champion, winning a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He also earned a bronze medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne.
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A Champion Sailor's Journey
Sir Durward Knowles was famous for his skill in sailing, a sport where you use wind power to move a boat across water. He competed in the Olympic Games, which are huge international sports events held every four years. Athletes from all over the world come together to compete for medals.
Olympic Glory: Gold and Bronze
Sir Durward first won an Olympic medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. He earned a bronze medal in the Star class sailing event. This was a big achievement for him and his country.
Eight years later, at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, he reached the very top! He won the gold medal in the Star class, sailing with his teammate Cecil Cooke. Winning a gold medal means you are the best in the world at your sport. It was a proud moment for the Bahamas.
The Star Class Boat
The Star class is a type of sailboat known for its speed and how tricky it can be to sail. It requires a lot of skill, teamwork, and understanding of the wind and water. Sir Durward and Cecil Cooke mastered this boat to win their gold medal.
A Long and Inspiring Life
Sir Durward Knowles lived a very long life, full of achievements. From 2016 until his death in 2018, he was known as the oldest living Olympic champion in the world. This means he was the oldest person who had ever won an Olympic medal and was still alive.
He celebrated his 100th birthday in November 2017, which is a huge milestone! Sir Durward passed away a few months later, on February 24, 2018. His dedication to sailing and his Olympic success made him a true hero in the Bahamas and around the world.
